Love and Strength

Sometimes a week can leave you feeling drained. The constant bitter and unedifying sniping of the referendum campaign was bad enough, but the horrific hate-filled shootings in Orlando, followed by the senseless murder of Jo Cox MP on Thursday, made everything go still for me. Against the everyday backdrop of football, exams and seemingly unrelenting grey skies, those shocking, calculated acts of violence which have caused so much grief are stark and incomprehensible. It will take some time to come to terms with them. Yet two other events closer to home are a quiet source of hope. Firstly, our curate Liz’s priesting this weekend, followed by her presiding over the Eucharist on Sunday; and secondly, Jonathan’s announcement of his new role as Archdeacon of Carlisle starting in September, remind us of the love and strength which inspire their lives of service, even while hatred and brutality dominate the news. So congratulations to Liz, and to Jonathan and Sarah – and meanwhile, here’s the rest of this week’s news from Christ Church!

THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 19 …
** 9am and 11am: Holy Communion
** 6.30pm: A service of Christian meditation

AND COMING UP …
** Saturday, June 18, 4pm – everyone is welcome to attend Liz’s ordination as priest at St John of Jerusalem, Lauriston Grove, Hackney, and …..
** Sunday, June 19 – Liz will preside at the Eucharist for the first time. We will celebrate her priesting with drinks and cake after the 11am service, when we will also bid farewell to our lovely Music Director Freddie, as it is his last Sunday with us.
** Monday, June 20, 9.30-1.45: Biblical lecture on Ancient Israel, early Christianity, and the lost Gospels, at Westminster Cathedral. See Tania for details.
** Non-perishable or cash donations for Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants always welcome: see Christine O’Brien. The Centre is working hard to support people at a really difficult and stressful time in their lives – all help is gratefully received.
** Do you have any photos, stories or special memories about Christ Church or Highbury which you would like to share with the Heritage Project? Please see Janet

Sunday Services at 9am, 11am & 6:30pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Service at 9am
Wednesday Service at 10:30am
Monthly Jazz Vespers Evening Service at 6:30pm
Monthly Service of Christian Meditation at 6:30pm